an enormous challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"an enormous challenge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that seems difficult and overwhelming. For example: "Facing my fear of public speaking was an enormous challenge, but I'm so glad I did it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's an enormous challenge".

The New Yorker

Afghanistan was still an enormous challenge.

The New Yorker

That represents an enormous challenge.

The Guardian

This presents an enormous challenge.

The Guardian

Typing poses an enormous challenge.

The New York Times

But it was an enormous challenge.

The Guardian

Sustainable energy for all by 2030 is an enormous challenge.

The New York Times

Even disposing of the excavated dirt poses an enormous challenge.

The New Yorker

But harnessing that power has proved an enormous challenge.

The New York Times

Globalization presents the United States with an enormous challenge.

The New York Times

It is an enormous opportunity, and an enormous challenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an enormous challenge", consider specifying the area or field where the challenge lies to provide more context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "an enormous challenge" when a simpler description of difficulty would suffice. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact when describing truly significant obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an enormous challenge" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a situation or task as being exceptionally difficult. As Ludwig confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an enormous challenge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase suitable for describing significantly difficult situations across diverse contexts, from news reporting and scientific research to business communications. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and effective. When employing it, consider the scale of the difficulty you're describing and the target audience to ensure the phrase is both accurate and impactful. While options like "a formidable obstacle" or "a monumental task" can serve as alternatives, "an enormous challenge" remains a clear and direct way to emphasize the magnitude of a difficult situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major undertaking

Substituting 'enormous' with 'major' keeps the meaning similar, but may slightly reduce the perceived scale of the task.

a formidable obstacle

Replacing 'challenge' with 'obstacle' emphasizes the hindering nature of the situation.

a monumental task

Using 'monumental task' emphasizes the size and impact of the task, suggesting it's something significant to overcome.

a significant hurdle

By using the term 'hurdle', this phrase focuses on the obstacle aspect of the challenge.

a considerable undertaking

This alternative shifts the focus slightly from 'challenge' to 'undertaking', implying a planned effort of significant scale.

a tough proposition

This alternative is more informal and suggests that success is uncertain.

a Herculean effort

This phrase draws a comparison to the mythical hero Hercules, highlighting the immense strength and effort required.

a demanding responsibility

This alternative focuses on the burden and expectations associated with a particular role or task.

a complex situation

This highlights the intricate and multi-layered aspect of the challenge, moving away from sheer size or difficulty.

a steep learning curve

This phrase is specific to situations requiring rapid acquisition of new skills or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an enormous challenge" in a sentence?

Use "an enormous challenge" to describe a situation that requires significant effort and resources to overcome. For example: "Adapting to the new regulations presents "an enormous challenge" for small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "an enormous challenge"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a formidable obstacle", "a monumental task", or "a considerable undertaking" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "an enormous challenge" and "an overwhelming challenge"?

While similar, "an enormous challenge" emphasizes the size or scale of the difficulty, whereas "an overwhelming challenge" suggests a feeling of being unable to cope with the difficulty.

When is it appropriate to use "an enormous challenge" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing a situation that genuinely poses a significant difficulty and requires substantial effort, resources, or innovation to address successfully.